Perceptions to host sixth annual Pride Festival

Updated 10:37 am, Monday, July 18, 2016

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Great Lakes Bay Pride

Great Lakes Bay Pride

Perceptions to host sixth annual Pride Festival

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The Great Lake Bay Regions Pride’s volunteers and committee are hard at work preparing for the sixth annual Pride Festival celebration and are looking forward to community participation in the festivities at its new location in Veterans Memorial Park in Bay City from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 23.

Presented by Perceptions, the Great Lakes Bay Region Pride Festival seeks to shine a light on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community, but also champions diversity, freedom and equality for all. A family-friendly event, this year’s festival includes a children’s education and fun area and performances by both nationally recognized and local musicians and performers:

• In its inaugural public performance, Harmony Diversity Choir, presented by Perceptions, the region’s newest choral group of LGBT and ally performers, will use the language of music to educate, network and advocate for diversity, inclusion and equality.

• Singer-songwriter Steve Grand will also be featured at the festival. Grand’s debut single “All American Boy” became a viral hit that has more than 10 million views on YouTube, a No. 3 album on The Billboard Independent Album Artist Charts and a successful music Kickstarter campaign.

• Louisiana native Eryn Woods will perform a unique and eclectic brand of pop punk. Featured on Vh1 and MTV. She’s the queen of the “Misfit” Nation — a term she coined to define her fan base.

• A breakout singer from season three of NBC’s “The Voice,” De’Borah will bring rock, indie, gospel and soul music to the stage, as well as her signature style and dismissal of industry conventions and rules.

• Rounding out the headliner musical line-up is one of the region’s most popular bands, Avenue 5, with a mix of funk, Motown, dance and current tunes.

• Local musicians and entertainers will additionally bring their talents to the event throughout the day.

“Our 2016 Great Lakes Bay Region Pride festivities have three simple goals,” said Christopher Lauckner, chairperson of Perceptions. “To lay a foundational legacy for a fully inclusive culture across the Great Lakes Bay Region; to bring unity to our diverse community through a celebration of life, equality and family – whatever your definition of family may be; and most importantly, to drive action as we continue to advance equal rights and acceptance for all – ensuring that our community and all its citizens can thrive and prosper in a growing, affirming community. There has never been a better time to get involved and make great things happen.”

General admission tickets to the Great Lakes Bay Pride Festival are $7. A Pride Festival after-party will be held at the Prime Event Center, beginning at 9 p.m.

The annual Pride festivities are a result of the many people, groups, sponsors, artists and partners who support this community celebration.